Reaching out to Faith Communities Part II: Opening the Door

NAMI Beginnings

Faith Communities Give Hope

Spiritual Questions & Concerns Where is God in this? Why do bad things happen to good people? How can my faith help me heal? What now? Is there meaning and purpose for my life? Where do I belong?

Social Isolation 5

Finding Recovery Spiritual estrangement can also be part of the experience Spiritual support can play a significant role in the recovery process¹

Responding to a Hospitalization When someone in your community is in the hospital due to their mental health condition , here are some things you can do to support them: Visits in the hospital Notes and cards Bringing a meal Prayers Support for their treatment A ‘welcome back’

Spiritual Connection

Caregiving Learn to recognize and accept Assist in finding the help needed Support treatment and recovery Attend to the person’s basic needs 9

Spiritual Support Create a safe place Offer the gift of presence Listen and share the journey Hold them in thought and prayer

Providing Care to the Family Reach out and be a friend Learn about the unique impact on each family Create a supportive network or group Learn what is helpful and hurtful to do or say Provide community resource referrals 11

Giving Support

Other Family Ministry Ideas Create a care team Send cards or meals to a family member Offer to mow the lawn or trim the bushes Offer to baby sit Invite the family to sit with you at church services and events

Preparing for Dialogue

Create a Lead-in Statement When introducing yourself: “I’m a volunteer for NAMI, a local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Have you heard of it?” “Did you know that one in five adults experiences a mental illness during their lifetime, but that stigma and misinformation are still major barriers to treatment?” “Our family has been touched by mental illness, but we found help and hope through NAMI’s education and support programs. May I tell you about it?”

Encouraging the Conversation How can NAMI help this faith community open its doors to individuals and families who face mental health challenges? How can this faith community increase its capacity to support healing and recovery? What resources are available to develop a mental health ministry or support effort?

Faith and Mental Illness NAMI has members from many different faith backgrounds NAMI welcomes individuals and families from all walks of life and spiritual traditions A person’s faith can be an important part of their healing and recovery I can say a word or two about my experience with mental illness and spirituality

Awareness Events May: Mental Health Month July: Minority Mental Health Month September: Suicide Prevention Month First week of October: Mental Illness Awareness Week

Awareness Events Ideas Write an article Compose a poem or prayer to be used in a service Schedule a mental health speaker Form a team for a local NAMI Walk Download our Say It Out Loud toolkit for young adults Pledge to be Stigmafree

Advocacy Opportunities

Resource Notebook Local NAMI Affiliate Brochure NAMI FaithNet Brochure Brief Referral List Fact Sheet or Illness Brochure(s) Multi-Faith Mental Health Ministry Links

Sample Contact Report Faith Group: (name, address, phone, email/website) Conversation Partner(s): (name, address, phone, email) Interests Observed: (specific topics, suggested ways to follow-up) Follow up: (documents sent, email, calls, plans, visits)

What to do when no one will listen?

Connect Clergy Encourage faith leaders to talk with other clergy Invite clergy and congregational leaders to participate in a NAMI event or Walk Sponsor a Clergy Luncheon Speak to a Ministerial Association Ask your congregational leader to attend a NAMI education or support program

Who Wants to Speak Up?

Questions or Comments? Thank you for taking the three minute survey and register your feedback. www.surveymonkey.com/s/NAMIreachingout 26